Isar Aerospace and Andøya Spaceport achieved launch of the first ever orbital-capable vehicle from European soil Norway on 30 March, including safely managing the termination about 30-seconds after it took off.
“While not every test flight achieves all its goals, Isar were satisfied valuable data and insights will be gained making it a success,” BJ Martin, Nova Systems Safety & Mission Assurance Lead, explained.
“Importantly, the Flight Termination System cut the rocket down when it started potentially flying backwards over land; that was something the Nova and NCAA team spent many months on ensuring was qualified fully.”
The launch of the Isar uncrewed Spectrum rocket is a milestone towards establishing the Norwegian hub for new orbital space capability. And ultimately a step towards addressing growing demand for commercial space missions.
Nova Systems teams in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Norway have been supporting the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as technical risk advisors over the past four years.
This includes providing technical and regulatory support for the NCAA to establish rocket launch and commercial space regulatory frameworks, and assessment practices which harmonise with international contemporary space regulatory standards.
This work ensures the consistent safety management of multiple future launches remains within the acceptable risk criteria, and that the necessary framework is in place to ensure that the early launches can proceed as planned.
Carlos Rendo, Principal Launch & Space Safety Engineer, said: "We have enjoyed working with the NCAA, on the launch approval and safety assurance process and seeing those efforts contribute to the first launch of an orbital launch vehicle from Europe! "
Christina Dunker, Senior Flight/Space Safety Analyst, added: “I’m thrilled to have played a role in ensuring the safe maiden flight of the Isar Aerospace Spectrum vehicle in close collaboration with the NCAA.
“We are proud of our team's dedication and the successful qualifications of a complex flight safety system. Excited to have navigated the 14 CFR Part 450 framework together, learning along the way."
Nova Systems' experience in the space domain is becoming internationally recognised.
Derived from origins in aerospace flight and weapons test, and later amalgamated with acquired satellite systems development and launch capability, Nova’s Space Safety & Mission Assurance team has evolved to provide expert advice and supports new Space Agency regulation and compliance in Australia, New Zealand and globally.
Photo/video credit: Isar Aerospace & Andoya Spaceport